Monte Coleman, Super Bowl Champion, Dies at 68

Monte Coleman, a three-time Super Bowl champion and longtime linebacker for the Washington franchise, died on Sunday at the age of 68. A cause of death was not disclosed in announcements from the Washington Commanders and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he served as head football coach.

Coleman spent his entire 16-year NFL career with Washington, playing from 1979 to 1994 after being selected in the 11th round of the 1979 draft, the 289th overall pick. He appeared in 215 regular-season games, starting 62, and accumulated 1,002 tackles, including 999 solo stops, along with 49.5 sacks, 17 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles and 14 fumble recoveries. In the playoffs, he played 21 games, starting five, and recorded five tackles, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions. His contributions helped Washington secure Super Bowl victories following the 1982, 1987 and 1991 seasons, with the team also reaching the title game after the 1983 campaign.

A durable leader on the field, Coleman ranks second in franchise history in games played and solo tackles, and sixth in sacks. He was the first player drafted from the University of Central Arkansas, where he excelled after starring at Pine...